Description
A comforting Southern classic, Smothered Chicken and Rice features tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy gravy and served over perfectly seasoned rice. This one-pan meal is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring well, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Stir in rice, salt, and butter.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon rice onto plates and top with smothered chicken and gravy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
- Mushroom Gravy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Cheesy Version: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the gravy.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, peas, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Keywords: Smothered Chicken and Rice, Southern Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Gravy, Easy One-Pan Meal, Chicken and Rice Recipe